Butte Co. mosquitos test positive for West Nile Virus

For the first time this year, a "pool" of mosquitos in Butte County has tested positive for the deadly West Nile Virus.

And the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District says it is time for residents to take precautions against the virus that has shown up in Butte County since 2005.

"The best advice I can give you is just to stay indoors at dusk," says Public Information Officer Doug Weseman. "When the mosquitoes are biting, just stay indoors. If you can't, then put on the repellent. And if you don't want to put on the repellent, then put on the long sleeves and long pants."

Weseman also says to make sure door and window screens don't have any holes that can allow mosquitos to slip through.

He also suggests that residents dispose of any stagnant or standing water around their homes because they serve as mosquito breeding grounds.

They'll also provide mosquitofish for those who can't get rid of standing water or for abandoned swimming pools.

The district says they received confirmation July 18 that mosquitoes sent to a UC Davis lab tested positive for WNV for the first time this year.

Although, these are not the first positive tests for WNV this year. A bird in Durham and a squirrel in Chico were also found to be carrying the virus.

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